The Osceola times., 1887-03-26


coveted set of Shakespeare. Even then,
a ten-dollar bill was lying in her pocket
book, which she would willingly have
given to penniless friend, had Kittie
been less proud and independent. As
it was, she dared not offer her any
money, and sat for some minutes in
silent perplexity, twining Kittie's curls
around her finger, and occasionally
giving them gentle little pull.
''Dearie, it is too bad" she said at
last. with such heartfelt sympathy in
her voice that Kitty felt somewhat COM
forted. "Why don't you paint him an
Easter card, KittieP You can make
such beautiful ones;" and she glanced
admiringly at dainty card on her
bureau, which Kittie had given her at
Christmas. But Kittie shook her head
energetically. Don't suggest such
thing, l implore you. What have |
given any one for the last three years
but cards? Fred has informed me,
with brothers delightful frankness,
that he did not believe there was room
in the house for another card, and if |
would as lief he would much prefer that
hereafter give him something else.
but you do make such lovely ones"
persisted Edith. "Mr. Brereton hasn't
any that will compare with those
which you have given me. was in
his store the other day buying some
| xxbap Mrs A,n.u-D,I, :.
to look at some Easter cards. She told
him that she wanted to see some of his
handsomest ones; she wouldn't take
any that he showed her. but | am sure
that even she would have been salts
fed with yours?"
kittie smiled incredulously- She
knew that Edith was inclined to re-
gard her work as perfect, but Kitte's
brothers were accustomed TO criticise
her artistic attempts, and their COM
ments were SO severe that her temper
was often tried to the utmost That
Edith.was really more competent Judge
than they, did not once occur to her.
for she was singularly destitute Of all
self-conceit
Suddenly Edith sprang up from her
place and looked down at Kittie with
unusual animation. katharine, /
have an ideal No, don't arch your eye
brows as if you were surprised at the
fact; tnat expression is not at all be-
coming to you. Perhaps, though"
she continued more slowly, you'll not
like my idea after all. 1t was. simply
this: Mrs. Ainsworth seemed so disap-
pointed at not finding any cards that |
thought you might offer to paint some
for her. She could not help liking
yours.
Kittie sprang from her chair, flushed
and excited. Edith, do you honestly
think that | could make some which
would suit her? l would be glad to do
it! Mr.. Brereton really has no pretty
ones at all, l have seen them; but
wouldn't she think me very presuming?
hardly know her.
"Never mind that said Edith with
a sagacious little nod. 'I'll do the talk
ing for you because | am somewhat
acquainted with Mrs. Ainsworth. Do
you want to see her to-day.
"Yes indeed do; if | wait, / shall
not have the courage to 90 at all. Can
you 20 now?'
"Yes," assented Edith. and the two
girls were soon equipped for the walk,
Edith carrying along the pretty Christ
mas card. This is your letter of in
PRODUCTION, Kittie." she said merrily.
Mrs Ainsworth had lived in the town
only few months, and was still a
comparative stranger to most Of the
younger people. Yet her face was so
sweet and attractive that the girls felt
sure of pleasant call, even if they
should not be successful on their
errand.
Eyes, Mrs. Ainsworth was at home"
the neat servant girl said, and led the
way to the handsome library, where
the lady was seated. Her greeting to
Edith was very cordial, and nearly half
an hour passed in such pleasant con-
versation that Edith forgot how anx-
ious Kittie must be to know her fate.
AT last, encountering an appealing
glance from the dark eyes, she determ-
ined to speak at once. but it was not
such an easy task as she had imagined
il to be. Before she could quite de-
termne how to introduce the subject,
Mrs. Ainsworth broke the brief silence.
Miss Edith, would you be so kind as
to let me have a nearer view of that
card in your hand? get such tan
talizing glimpse of it from here, for /
am rather short-sighted. Then, as
Edith gladly handed it to her, she con-
tinued enthusiastically; THAT is one
of the most exquisite cards l ever saw!
n genuine gem. | wonder if it is some
of your work, Miss Edith?'
"No indeed, it is not; | haven't n
particle of genius, unless it be for
making candy. That is some of Kittic's
work. "
as it, indeed?" and Mrs. Ainsworth
turned to the girl with some surprise.
"This work is really very good; you
must have had an excellent teacher"
Kitty flushed brightly. 81 never
had any teacher at all; what | know
/ have picked up myself as best |
could"
IL should try TO find some teacher il
| were you, although you probably
could not find competent one in this